Ryanair passengers told to turn off phones during landing at Dublin Airport – here’s why

Passengers on a Ryanair flight landing at Dublin Airport this week were warned to turn off their phones and for a very important reason. 

Dublin Airport was backed up earlier this week as bad weather brought poor visibility and the airport was reduced to one runway for a time. Flights had to divert or queue up for landing while others getting ready to take off were delayed.

The issue of visibility also caused major issues for pilots and one passenger took to social media to share their experience of being specifically requested to turn off their phone and other devices for a landing in Dublin.

The individual took to X on Tuesday and said: “Landed at Dublin Airport this evening. Before landing- cabin crew asked for all electronic devices to be switched off as we had to land on autopilot… anyone any idea why?”

Resident aviation expert on X, Shaun Dunne of Shaun’s Aviation, was quick to reply with the probably reason for the request onboard.

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He explained: “During an ‘Autoland’, where the plane lands itself, it is crucial that phones and all electronics are switched off to prevent any unnecessary disturbance to the radio signal, which helps the aircraft’s systems locate where it needs to land.

“If a phone were on or receiving cell service, the signal between both phone and cell tower could disrupt the guidance radio signal.”

In response to a question about the potential use of ‘signal blockers’ onboard flights, Shaun said they “would also interfere if they were used.”

“As for cabin crew taking phones, they come around the cabin and make sure each passenger has their phone off, there have been cases in the past where passengers refused and had their phones taken from them for landing.”

Further explaining why an ‘autoland’ might be chosen by the pilot, he added: “There are certain visibility parameters, I’m not sure what they are exactly, but it’s always down to the pilot, it’s mainly used on foggy days when there is very low visibility.”